Hong Kong International airport has been forced to close check-in and cancel flights for a second time in two days after pro-democracy protesters returned to occupy part of the terminal buildings.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s largest airline, says it has been informed that "all check-in has been suspended as a result of the public assembly at Hong Kong International airport, which is ongoing. There is potential for further flight disruptions at short notice. Customers are therefore encouraged to postpone non-essential travel from Hong Kong on Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August and should not proceed to the airport."
The airline and its Cathay Dragon unit have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights to and from Hong Kong, mostly to points in Asia.
British Airways states: "Like all airlines, our flights on Tuesday 13 August from Hong Kong to London are affected by the disruption at Hong Kong International Airport. If you are due to fly from Hong Kong today, please do not travel to the airport."
The airport's operations had been starting to stabilise after having been forced to close by protesters for several hours on the afternoon and evening of 12 August.
Hong Kong has for the past two months been hit by protests over the government's decision to introduce an unpopular extradition bill. It was later shelved, but protesters have demanded the full withdrawal of the bill and an investigation into the handling of the political crisis.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
